Awards

Hybrids

Extra traction won't break the bank when it comes to the new all-wheel-drive Toyota Prius that was unveiled at the 2018 LA Auto Show last week. CarsDirect reported Monday the 2019 Toyota Prius AWD-e will start at $27,300, which includes a $920 destination charge. In comparison to the standard...Read More»

The Toyota Corolla has historically flaunted its frugal credentials. In a sign of changing times, the new 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is angling for a lot more eco cred. For the first time, it packs something very noteworthy: Toyota’s hybrid system, and mileage that’s surprisingly close...Read More»

Following in all four of the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's tire tracks, the 2019 Toyota Prius that bowed Wednesday at the 2018 LA Auto Show will offer all-wheel drive as an option for the first time. Toyota expects that about a quarter of Prius shoppers will opt for all-wheel drive. The 2019 Prius'...Read More»

Subaru's first plug-in hybrid has a price tag. The 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid will start at $35,970 (including a $995 destination fee) when it goes on sale. The brand said Monday that the Crosstrek Hybrid will make its formal debut at the 2018 Los Angeles auto show in a week. The powertrain combines...Read More»

Another recall has stung the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The automaker filed the recall with the NHTSA last month over the minivan's powertrain control module. In some cases, the powertrain control module may cause an improper engine start after the Pacifica Hybrid operates in electric mode. The...Read More»

BMW announced Friday that it will recall about 3,500 electrified models to inspect charging cables that may lead to shocks or fires. The recall covers a wide range of plug-in hybrid and fully electric 2018 and 2019 BMW and Mini models. In government filings, BMW said that incorrect electrical...Read More»

Kia last week said that it will recall two of its hybrid models over an electrical issue that the automaker says increases the risk of a fire. The recall covers about 27,000 examples of the 2017 and 2018 Kia Niro and Niro Plug-In hybrid hatchbacks. MORE: Read our 2018 Kia Niro review At fault is...Read More»

Toyota on Friday said that it will recall about 800,000 examples of its popular Prius hybrid in the U.S. and about 1.6 million more worldwide over a concern that the vehicles may lose power and stall while being driven. Toyota said in a statement that the recalled vehicles—2012-2014 Toyota...Read More»

In the face of increased compact crossover SUV competition, the 2019 Nissan Rogue adds a few safety features but still costs the same as last year. A front-wheel drive Rogue S costs $25,795 including a mandatory $995 destination charge, and now includes a rear door alert system in addition to...Read More»

An engine wiring harness that can fray and start a fire prompted Toyota on Wednesday to recall 192,000 examples of its popular hybrid hatchback in the U.S. The recall covers 2016-2018 model year Toyota Prius hybrids. At fault is wiring that comprises the Prius' hybrid-electric system, which the...Read More»

The USS Seawolf attack submarine is said to be so quiet that the only way to discover it is to listen for the absence of sound. That’s a pretty tall order, and one we remembered while attempting to discern the activity of the mild hybrid electric assist motor in the 2019 Ram 1500 eTorque...Read More»

If you knew the 2018 Infiniti Q70 Hybrid existed, well, you probably either own one or are in the market for one. This may be the time to finally pick one up though, as Infiniti confirmed Monday that it will be dropping the Q70 Hybrid from its lineup for 2019. MORE: Updated 2018 Infiniti QX30 adds...Read More»

When it goes on sale later this month, the 2019 Honda Insight hybrid sedan will start at $23,725 the automaker announced Wednesday. That price is for a base Insight LX that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, a 5.0-inch display for audio, Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlights, cloth upholstery and a...Read More»

Consider us as proverbial frogs, adrift in the rising oceans and paying nickels, dimes, and quarters more for gallons of the same gasoline every time we go to the pump. Impervious to the slow march toward $5 a gallon again, we’ll march happily along in crossovers and pickups until our credit...Read More»

The IIHS said last week that the 2018 Kia Niro is among the safest cars it has tested, at least when equipped with optional active-safety gear and headlights. The insurance industry-funded crash-testers found that the Niro and Niro Plug-In Hybrid both have a strong safety structure and they hold...Read More»

Freed from its burden of being the mid-size sedan for every luxury buyer, the 2019 Lexus ES sedan, now in its seventh generation, grows slightly sharper in each of its several distinct flavors. The 2019 ES350 plays the middle-of-the-road luxury role, the ES300h hits hybrid high-economy notes while...Read More»